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So the next question is, if the co. will replace worn or broken tools, (talking large ticket items here) will they give you new tools when you quit, get fired, or retire?

I never asked them, but I'm sure they will not cover them if I get fired or quit. I'm a long way from retiring so thats out of the question.
I'm def not going out of my way to get these asap. Our shop has a few locked up for installers. I will just try and get them on my van until i get yelled at for taking them .
I could be a Dic when i leave and break them on purpose to get a new one. I actually have seem many people do this to brand new tools.

My other worry is getting them stolen out of my Van. I hope they cover that.

Leak detector is your own personal tool, i bought that brand new, that is a sensitive item and i wanted to make sure i was the only one who used it, I didnt even get a expensive one, i got the inficon tek-mate wich was only like 160.00, the scale i bought as well but now that i think about it all companies should issue a scale because it only benefits them as far as how much of their refrigerant you are using and should be charging. With out the scale then most techs will start to fill up a air conditioner until the pressures are right, then just kind of guess how much was used and other will fill it up and just write down how many pounds it reads on the data plate if there is one.

Leak detector is your responseability, thats a tool like a wrench because a leak detector helps you find the leak a bit faster, If you cant afford it then get soap bubbles and find leaks the old fashion way.

My other worry is getting them stolen out of my Van. I hope they cover that.

Well, thats why you should watch your van carefully, make sure its locked, park it in a good area........just like you do with your personal vehicle, or just take out your personal tools every night like i sometimes do when i have to park somewhere out of the way.

Also check out the local pawn shops, sometimes you can get a bargain in there.

I agree with looking on E-bay. But, I will not buy any tools that are used in our field from a pawn shop. Reason being, I have had my van broken into twice about $1,000 dollars each time and I am almost certain they ended up in a pawn shop. I sure as he!! don't believe they ripped me off to have some tools to go to work with. DO NOT BUY TOOLS FROM A PAWN SHOP!!!

I agree with looking on E-bay. But, I will not buy any tools that are used in our field from a pawn shop. Reason being, I have had my van broken into twice about $1,000 dollars each time and I am almost certain they ended up in a pawn shop. I sure as he!! don't believe they ripped me off to have some tools to go to work with. DO NOT BUY TOOLS FROM A PAWN SHOP!!!

or to feed their families. if some one did ask me for tools to go get a job i would have no problem giving them what ever i have extra.
by the way don't forget harborfreight and the likes great places for the one timer

I think you are looked at as a more valued imployee if you have all those tool. If you lose your job you can allways get a job the next day at a different company. In Texas it seems like everyone is allways looking for good techs.

Does anyone think these 7 tools a Tech should supply? They really seem like Company Supplied tools to me.

Comments? suggestions?

It looks like you will be doing residential. For commercial, I'd ditch the six foot ladder and put a ten foot on the truck.

#3, 5, 6, and 7 would be company supplied for me.

A couple of tools you feel should be covered by the company is not a reason to leave. You are in this for the long haul. Good tools raise your efficiency, and your earnings. Plus, hand tools are deductible expenses. The key is to spend enough on those deductions to be a larger amount than your "standard" deduction. That's the only reason you would itemize.

I have found that most commercial cielings are at 10' and that an 8' ladder is ideal for existing commercial service. For new construction a 10' is a must.

The 8 is the most often used, for certain, but I would not be without the 10. I do NO new construction, and I can't count the number of times the 10 has been absolutely necessary. I wouldn't even leave my driveway without it.